Admissions Portal

Applying For Admission Common Questions

What degree or educational requirements are required to apply to RIT's degree and certificate programs?

All applicants to RIT's graduate programs must hold or currently be completing a four year baccalaureate degree, or the U.S. equivalent, granted by an accredited college or university. Applicants to undergraduate degree programs and certificate programs must have a high school degree or the equivalent. Each academic program has specific requirements and prerequisites. Check the program information on the webiste for more details, or contact us using the buttons on the right.

What is the application fee and how can I make my payment?

The application fee is $60 US dollars. You can pay the fee by Check, Bank Draft, Money Order or Traveler's Check. Make your document payable to Rochester Institute of Technology. Funds must be in US dollars and drawn on a US bank. Checks drawn on foreign banks are acceptable if the face of the check shows the US address of an affiliated US bank.

Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express - Required Information
Applicant's full name [no initials]
Date of birth [month, day and year]
16-digit account number
Expiration date [month and year]
Name of cardholder [owner of the account].

How will I be notified of an admission decision, and when
will I be notified?

The Offices of Part-time and Graduate Enrollment Services will contact you to acknowledge receipt of your application, and tell you if any necessary items are missing from your file. As soon as a decision is made you will receive email notification. The length of time will vary by academic department, but once the applcation is complete it typically takes 2 to 6 weeks for a decision to be conveyed to you.

What is the application deadline?

Part-time applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. That is, as soon as the application is complete the admission committee reviews the application and makes the admission decision. The decisions are communicated 2 to 6 weeks after the application is complete.

How are admissions decisions made?

Decisions are made by the admissions committee in the college offering the program. All applicants will be notified of the admission decision as soon as possible. All credentials are considered in the application decision,transcripts, GPA, official test scores, personal statement, and letters of recommendation. In addition, some programs require portfolios, writing samples, and resumes.

What are the qualifications for entrance? What are my chances of being admitted given my academic background?

Requirements which vary by program and every candidate is different. Contact us in Part-Time Enrollment Services and we can discuss your background and your candidacy with you personally. While We can provide general information, but not an admission decision.

The program I am considering says that it admits students on a "rolling
basis" what does that mean?

Applications for the some of RIT's program are accepted on a rolling basis, which means students can be admitted in any of the terms.

If I am not accepted in my first program choice, can I apply to another
program?

Yes. After an admission decision has been on your first program choice, you may request in writing that you have your application reviewed for a second program. We recommend you prepare a second statement of educational objectives prior to this review.

Costs and Financial Aid

Can I afford RIT?

We feel strongly that no qualified student should refuse to consider RIT because of cost. We offer a full range of traditional financial aid programs and a number of innovative financing plans.
Currently, more than 10,000 RIT students receive over $110 million dollars in financial assistance from federal, state, and institutional resources, in the form of scholarships,
grants, loans, and part-time employment. For more information regarding financial support for graduate students please refer to the Graduate Costs & Financial Aid page.

Coopertive Education and Career Placement

Will I be able to get a good job after RIT?

RIT graduates find that their employment prospects are bright because career-related work experience is built into their academic programs. Work experience is gained through cooperative education, internships, and field experience. RIT attracts over 1,300 co-op employers nationwide and serves more than 2,600 RIT students each year. Learn more about the Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education at www.rit.edu/co-op/careers.

Am I guaranteed an internship, co-op or practical training work experience during my study?

No, however, RIT’s Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education provides job search assistance for all RIT students.

General Questions about RIT

How big is RIT?

The main campus is about 1,300 acres, and includes 238 buildings spread over 5.3 million sq. ft. It is a coeducational, privately endowed Institute, enrolling more than 18,000 full- and part-time undergraduate and graduate students preparing for technical and professional careers.

Is RIT an accredited institution?

Yes, RIT is chartered by the legislature of the State of New York and accredited by the Commission on Higher Education, Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and NY State Education Department, Office of College and University Education.

What's the student-to-faculty ratio?

The student/ faculty ratio is 13:1, and 92 percent of undergraduate classes have fewer than 50 students.

What is the difference between a state and a private school?

A state
college is public and is primarily funded by the government therefore
the cost to the student is lower. On the other hand a private college is
funded privately.

What about student diversity?

The RIT student body consists of approximately 1,900
international students from 100 different countries. RIT students come from all backgrounds Whites, Hispanics,
Asians, Pacific Islanders, African Americans and others. RIT is also home to the National Technical Institute for the
Deaf, the world’s first and largest technological college for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The presence of more
than 1,150 deaf and hard-of-hearing students on campus adds a social dynamic not found at other colleges.

What is the ratio of female/male students?

Approximately 60:40 male/female.

How old is RIT?

Founded in 1829 as the Rochester Athenaeum, Rochester Institute of
Technology (RIT) has been a pioneer in career-oriented education and a
leader in cooperative education since 1912.

When can I start classes at RIT?

RIT is on the semester system with terms beginning Fall, Spring, and Summer.

Can I take classes at RIT without being officially admitted to a degree
program?

Yes. To take a class at the graduate level on a non-matric status usually requires permission from the dept. To take a class at the undergraduate level on a non-matric status usually requires completion of any pre-requisite OR a professor's approval. In both cases you must wait for the matriculated students to register for classes and then it is open registration for any non-matriculated students.

How do I sign up for a class as a non-matriculated student?

To complete a registration form for classes as a non-matriculated student, complete the Non-Degree Enrollment form through the Registrar’s office.

What are my communication options for learning more about RIT programs?

You may email us questions for information about graduate programs
to gradinfo@rit.edu. You may
email us questions for information about undergraduate part-time programs
to opes@rit.edu. You can LIVE CHAT
(instant messaging) with us during business hours. Click on the "LIVE CHAT" button in the left hand corner
of our web page. You will be connected to our office staff immediately
- just like making a phone call, but FREE! You can call us at 585-475-2229
or Toll Free at 866-260-3950.

What are immunization requirements for students?

New York State Law mandates that all college students provide proof of vaccinations for measles, mumps and
rubella. If no vaccination, proof of positive titer or physician diagnosis of disease is necessary. (*Students
born before January 1, 1957 are age exempt). New York State Public Health Law also requires that students sign a
statement, which RIT provides, about Meningococcal (Meningitis) disease and vaccine availability. RIT requires all
students to provide proof of vaccinations for Meningococcal, Hepatitis B, and Tetanus. PPD skin tests are required
for high risk students. Failure to comply with these New York State requirements will result in withdrawal from
classes! For detailed information please visit the Student Health Center site at
http://www.rit.edu/studentaffairs/studenthealth/immunizations.php.